Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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328. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when farmers in Counties Roscommon, Leitrim and Longford and in east Galway whose payments under the agri-environment options scheme have been held up due to an investigation, will be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30224/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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A Department review of the non-productive capital investment claims submitted by applicants under AEOS was undertaken in 2014.  This review identified irregularities with documentation submitted for reimbursement in some of these claims. A full Department investigation was then initiated, which in turn led to the matter being referred to the Gardaí.  Payments to applicants under review were deferred pending the outcome of the investigation. My Department wrote to the farmers with payments held in June 2015 requesting satisfactory alternative proof that the amounts claimed for the purchase of trees and hedging plants under the capital investment action were correct. Satisfactory proof would include a certified copy (by the issuing bank) of the cheque used to pay for the trees and hedging plants supported by a bank statement and/or documentation submitted to Revenue when making returns to that Department.

Cases where suitable proof of payment has been received will be processed as soon as possible with a number of cases already forwarded for payment. Other cases, where satisfactory proof has not been received will be examined on a case by case basis on their merits and in light of any replies received. Participants will be informed in writing, as soon as possible, when decisions have been made in these cases.